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Spanish Phrase

Estoy tomando matemáticas, ciencias e inglés.

/esˈtoj toˈman̪do maθeˈma.ti.kas ˈθjen.sjas e iŋˈgles/
Meaning"I am taking mathematics, science, and English."
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Meaning

The speaker is saying that they are currently enrolled in or studying the subjects of mathematics, science, and English. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of the coursework.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you want to tell a friend, teacher, or colleague about the subjects you are currently taking at school, university, or in a language program.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Estoytomandomatemáticascienciaseinglés

1

Estar + gerundio

The construction 'estar' + gerund expresses an action in progress, similar to the English present continuous.

2

Gerundio of 'tomar'

The verb 'tomar' (to take) forms its gerund by adding -ando: 'tomando'.

3

Plural nouns without article

When listing subjects of study, Spanish often omits the definite article before each noun.

4

Conjunction 'e' before 'i' sound

The conjunction 'y' changes to 'e' before a word that starts with the vowel sound /i/ to avoid the 'yi' sound.

🗨In Conversation

A

¿Qué materias estás tomando este semestre?

What subjects are you taking this semester?

Estoy tomando matemáticas, ciencias e inglés.

I'm taking mathematics, science, and English.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Estoy tomando matemáticas, ciencias y inglés.

    Use 'e' before a word that starts with the vowel sound /i/ to avoid the 'yi' sound.

  • Estoy tomando matemáticas, ciencias e inglés.

    When referring to academic subjects, 'cursar' or 'estudiar' are more natural than 'tomar' in some regions.

↔Alternatives

  • Estoy cursando matemáticas, ciencias e inglés.

    I am studying mathematics, science, and English.

  • Me inscribí en matemáticas, ciencias e inglés.

    I enrolled in mathematics, science, and English.

  • Este semestre estudio matemáticas, ciencias e inglés.

    This semester I study mathematics, science, and English.

es

Cultural Tip

In many Spanish‑speaking countries, the word 'ciencias' often refers to natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) as a single subject area. If you need to be more specific, you can list each discipline separately (e.g., biología, química, física). Also, using 'e' instead of 'y' before 'inglés' shows attention to proper pronunciation and is considered more formal.